You need to eat at North . I went right after it opened and it was New York quality with Providence warmth. But hurry because the Boston Globe just wrote about it, so hoardes of weekenders will be there any second!

As for Boston, I'm not really a fan, unless I'm at Fenway Park , but nearby Henrietta's Table that I have drive 3.5 hours from New York just to dine at. Locally sourced ingredients and very knowledgable staff.

You should call brand new venue "Experience Rhode Island" tours. They have reasonably priced tours through Federal Hill, Newport and they have this great "Dine around Providence" experience where you go to three top restaurants for appetizer/drinks, main course and dessert. http://www.riexperience.com/

Unfortunately, it's been a while since I've been back there, but I think it's worth spending a little time around the Brown University campus as well as The RISD Museum of Art . I think all college towns start to blend together after a bit, but Thayer Street still has some unique charm. Prospect Terrace Park is tiny, but it has a great view of downtown Providence which has one of the better State Capital buildings as well as the art decco Bank Of America which is often referred to as the Superman Building because of its resemblence to the 1950's comic book.

If you're into "old money", you should defintely drive out to Newport and check out some of the amazing mansions which are part of the Preservation Society.

If you're going to be in Providence, it's worth spending some time to soak up a bit of Rhode Island. Boston and New York will still be there next time.

I would definitely go to Newport. Just the trip over the Bridges is magical. There are so many restaurants right off the wharf with amazing views and they won't be as crowded in the winter. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar is one idea (fireplaces, tables with views). I'd bundle up and do the Cliff Walk... that way you can see the mansions and the gorgeous water views. One place I love to eat is Flo's Clam Shackin Middletown (right by Newport), make sure you sit on the second floor for views. If you're ever there in the summer, Sweet Berry Farm cannot be beat for their summer concert series.

Boston isn't a bad drive for a day trip, but try to time it to avoid rush hour! While in Providence, check out Thayer Street for food and drinks, and walk around the quiet streets of College Hill . Head downtown for a bit — the Red Fez is a good bar — you can see it all in a few hours.